Senate Finance leaders introduce chronic care legislation

Leaders of the Senate Finance Committee and its Chronic Care Working Group yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation (S. 3504) to improve care management, coordination and outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions. Among other provisions, the bill would extend the Independence at Home demonstration; provide certain flexibilities for Medicare Advantage plans; give MA plans and certain accountable care organizations greater flexibility to offer additional telehealth services; and expand access to telehealth for home dialysis and stroke assessments. The AHA voiced support for a number of the provisions in a recent letter to the committee leaders.